Although the whole world was watching the Canada vs. U.S. hockey game on Sunday, there was also a very important basketball game on as well.

Sunday afternoon was a showdown between the two best teams in the Western Conference, a game that the Lakers desperately needed to ensure not getting swept 3-0 in the season series.

The Lakers were victorious, as they overcame an 11-point third quarter deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 95-89.

Ron Artest, with six steals was the MVP of the match, as his aggressive defense in the third quarter against Carmelo Anthony reenergized the Lakers and gave them momentum to come back.

Kobe Bryant was not his superstar self, as he shot 3-17 from the field.

Shooting bricks over the double team definitely was not working for Kobe, so he became the facilitator and finished the game with 13 points and a notable 12 assists.

A huge turn of events occurred when Carmelo got fouled out with 2:13 left in the game with the Lakers up by four.

With the best player on the Nuggets out of the game, it was only a matter of time before the Lakers wrapped the game up.

Lamar Odom finally came out to play, as he scored nine of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Lakers past the Nuggets.

Although the Lakers lost the season series 2-1, this game shows the Nuggets not to count their chickens before they hatch, as they predicted a season sweep. As if!

The Lakers definitely needed this surge of confidence because they will most likely meet up with the McNuggets again in the playoffs. And of course, just like last year they’ll dunk them again…in some sweet and sour sauce. Yum!